Library System Anticipates Holiday "Digital Demand"

The Burlington County Library System is anticipating a surge in demand for ebook downloads thanks to residents who will unwrap NOOKs®, Kindles® and other ereaders and tablets this holiday season.

Introduced in 2003, the library’s online “download center” continues to grow in popularity with patrons who are scooping up the ereader devices themselves or putting them high on their holiday wish lists. At present, the library system’s download service features more than 6,000 titles, including bestsellers and classics. And not surprisingly, use of the service has been steadily climbing over the years as residents become more and more comfortable with technology and publishing in the digital era. On average, patrons now download 5,477 ebooks each month from the library’s website: www.ebooks.bcls.lib.nj.us

“This is a wonderful resource that busy residents can take advantage of at their convenience,” said Acting Library Director Ranjna Das. “When they can’t visit a library to check out a book, they have the option of downloading one directly to their device. Our online offerings have titles for every audience and interest.”

For the past two years, the library service has seen a consistent 200 percent increase in usage. This is particularly true during the month of December as more ereader, tablets and smart phones are given as gifts. Another surge in demand is expected this month as residents unwrap new devices and go online.

The library ebooks, as well as audiobooks, are available for up to 21 days at time and the download automatically expires at the end of the checkout time so late fees are never accrued. The item then becomes available to other patrons. Not surprisingly, the most popular titles frequently develop waiting lists and as of mid-December, a total of 2,114 patrons were waiting to download specific ebooks titles. When the requested material becomes available, a patron is notified by email and has two days to respond before the next person on the waiting list is contacted.

Patrons are invited to browse the library’s download collection, which is provided through a partnership with OverDrive, Inc., at the library’s website. In addition, a list of compatible ebooks and audiobook devices is available online.

BCLS also offers in-person and telephone assistance to patrons who have questions about the download process, as well as monthly “Intro to Ebook” classes. For more information about the library system’s download service, please contact Digital Library Coordinator Christy Kaciuba at (609) 267-9660, ext. 3043 or 3050.